Our mother, Elizabeth W. van Rossum, 80, of Scarboro Drive, Antigonish, left us to be with our father in heaven on January 16, 2012.
She was born on Ocotber 18, 1931 in Abcoude, Holland , daugher of the late Theodorus and Elizabeth (Buskens) Pepping.
She immigrated to Canada with her "in-law" husband Dick and arrived at Pier 21 on June 27, 1953. They married in St. Ninian's Cathedral, Antigonish, November 21st, 1953; the late Reverend P. Renders officiated. She lived in New Waterford for three months, while working at St. Rita's Hospital, then moved to Antigonish and worked at St. Martha's Regional Hospital. She then lived in River Bourgeois for three months, after which she moved back to Antigonish to work with her husband at his store.
Elizabeth was a member of the CWL and Club 60, as well as a member of St. Ninian's Parish. She volunteered at the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home and became known as the "Banana Lady". She was also a professional seamstress and helped her husband in the upholstery business. They also taught upholstery night class in Antigonish and Lakevale. She led a very busy life with a family of eight children and she baby sat for a total of 45 years. She was a "stay at home" mom who loved flowers, singing, walking and bike-riding, and enjoyed drives with her husband and going out for dinner. She loved children and her door was always open for the welcoming of friends, neighbors and family. She was never too busy to do a sewing job for anybody. Her children called her "Busy Lizzy".
She is survived by daughters: Rose Marie and Monique, Calgary; Marlie, St. Andrews; Sons: John (Brenda), Truro; Phonse (Bernadette) Antigonish, Clem (Donna), Antigonish; Jim (Audrey), Addington Forks; Neil, St. Andrews; sisters Rietje and Jos and 2 brothers-in-law, 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dick, and 5 brothers, 1 sister and several infant siblings. .
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm Thursday in the C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 am in St. Ninian's Cathedral with Rev. Tom MacNeil presiding. Burial in Parish cemetery in the spring.
Family flowers only please.
Donations in memory may be made to Poppy Trust Fund RCL59, R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home Foundation, or St. Martha's Hospital Foundation. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com